A state-of-the-art enterprise centre is opening in Liverpool this month to support the brightest and best graduates starting out in business.
The Graduate Enterprise Centre – a joint venture between Liverpool Science Park, Liverpool Vision, Liverpool John Moores University and the University of Liverpool – is the first of its kind in the Liverpool region.
The new 1,500 sq ft 24-hour facility boasts all of the necessary ingredients to build a business including hot desks with high speed broadband internet access, a registered office address, communal facilities and meeting space.
It is exclusively for new and recent graduates working within science and knowledge-based sectors, which include the creative industries, pharmaceuticals, life sciences, ICT and software development.
The Graduate Enterprise Centre is aptly based within the award-winning Liverpool Science Park, which was established in 2006 as a special purpose vehicle to support and drive forward Liverpool’s Knowledge Economy.
The Graduate Enterprise Centre has been created within the ground floor of Innovation Centre 1 (ic1) which stands at the steps of the city’s Metropolitan Cathedral, at the heart of the universities.
Entrepreneurs who pass the Graduate Enterprise Centre’s gateway policy can move in for a minimal monthly fee and will have the added benefits of working within an established, vibrant community of like-minded entrepreneurs, with access to invaluable support from the Centre’s founder organisations.
Mike Taylor, deputy chief executive at Liverpool Vision, said: “This is a key part of an ongoing process to retain and embed our talent. Whilst we have great knowledge assets here in Liverpool there is also a recognition that we need to do more to optimise the use of these assets in driving the economic development of the city and the Liverpool City Region. This joint working between Liverpool Vision – Liverpool City Council’s Economic Development Company, the Science Park, LJMU and the University of Liverpool, is another example of our joint commitment to create a world class city for business.”
Emma Hunter, head of student enterprise at LJMU, said: “The Graduate Enterprise Centre is yet another way in which we will continue to support and engage with our entrepreneurial graduates. The GEC provides them with a professional and safe environment where they can continue to be supported in the development of their businesses. They will also be encouraged to make maximum use of the ongoing support LJMU can provide, whether it be membership of the Start-Up Network and the peer-to-peer opportunities this provides or tapping into the knowledge base of the university.”
Professor Ossie Jones, head of the Centre for Enterprise and Entrepreneurial Leadership (CEEL) at the University of Liverpool, said: “I see the GEC as demonstrating the commitment of both the UoL and LJMU to the support of enterprise amongst all of our students. I also expect the GEC to make an important contribution to the continuing regeneration of Liverpool through the creation of viable new businesses which have real potential for growth.”
Chris Musson, CEO of Liverpool Science Park, added: “The Graduate Enterprise Centre provides vital early-stage support for emerging commercial knowledge businesses. The financial investment made by Liverpool Science Park and its partners reinforces our commitment to fostering innovation and creating high value added jobs. Together we have created the perfect environment for ambitious graduates to take their first steps into the marketplace and we expect the Centre to be extremely popular.”
The Graduate Enterprise Centre opens its doors on Monday September 20. As the businesses developing within the Graduate Enterprise Centre grow they will have the option to become full tenants at Liverpool Science Park.
Praising the GEC initiative, Cllr Nick Small, cabinet member for employment & skills at Liverpool City Council, and a director of Liverpool Science Park, said: “Liverpool needs more knowledge economy jobs and more graduates in the labour market. The Graduate Enterprise Centre is a unique offer for Liverpool, which will help boost the city’s knowledge economy and provide a start to enterprising graduates.”
The award-winning Liverpool Science Park, which opened in January 2006, is currently the second fastest growing science park in the UK. It has launched a number of new initiatives in recent months to support and strengthen the region’s Knowledge economy, most recently creating a 2,000 sq ft ‘Soft Landing Centre’ specifically to assist businesses moving into Liverpool from outside of the region.
For more information about Liverpool Science Park and its new Graduate Enterprise Centre visit www.liverpoolsciencepark.co.uk.
